Municipality of Gurtnellen

Geographically speaking, Gurtnellen is the centre of the canton of Uri and lies at 935 m above sea level (village) and 741 m above sea level (Wiler). The name "Gurtnellen" comes from "Cort-in-ella", which means "small farm" in Romansh.

Numerous travellers, from merchants to troops and pilgrims, have passed through the village over the centuries. Gurtnellen-Wiler in particular, situated on the Gotthard road, has seen many people come and go. At the end of the 18th century, French troops marched here under Napoleon, and later it was mainly Italian foreign labourers who worked in the quarries to extract Aare granite. Today, the Antonini quarry can be visited near Wassen.

The inhabitants of Gurtnellen have defied numerous avalanches and protected their houses with avalanche defences. The themed trail on the Geissberg offers an insight into this. With strong willpower and similar to the hardness of the quarried granite, the municipality and its inhabitants have retained the authentic character of the village.

Today, Gurtnellen offers a wide range of experiences, from Michelin-starred cuisine to idyllic mountain excursions to Lake Arni, both in summer and winter. Hikes, playgrounds and leisurely enjoyment make it an attractive centre for adventures.